Hiriketiya has a tropical climate: hot and humid all year, with the seasons defined by rain and wind, not temperature.
At a glance
- Air temperature: about 27 to 31°C year round
- Sea temperature: about 27 to 29°C, so no wetsuit needed
- Dry season: December to March
- Wet season: May to September (southwest monsoon), plus a wet October
Dry season (December to March)
Blue skies, calm mornings, light offshore winds and the flattest seas for swimming. This is peak season for a reason. Book popular stays early.
Shoulder months (April, November)
Mostly sunny with more afternoon showers and humidity. Great value and still good surf.
Monsoon (May to September)
The southwest monsoon brings rain, onshore wind and rougher seas to the south coast. It rarely rains all day. Expect heavy bursts and sunny spells. It’s a lovely time for a quiet, green, cheap stay in a villa with a pool.
Month by month
January
Peak season: clean waves, blue skies, busy bay. Book early.
Going in January? Book early and see popular stays →February
Arguably the best month: dry, warm and consistent surf.
Going in February? Book early and see popular stays →April
Hot, with afternoon showers creeping in. Good value, Sinhala & Tamil New Year mid month.
Going in April? Find your stay →May
Southwest monsoon arrives. Quiet, cheap, bigger and messier swell.
Going in May? Off season deals on long stays →June
Monsoon season on the south coast, while the east coast (Arugam Bay) is in season.
Going in June? Off season deals on long stays →July
Showers between sunny spells. Great long stay deals.
Going in July? Off season deals on long stays →September
Monsoon easing. Quiet bay, sheltered corners can still work.
Going in September? Off season deals on long stays →October
Intermonsoon rains. The quietest month of the year.
Going in October? Off season deals on long stays →December
Holiday season. The best stays sell out, especially Christmas to New Year.
Going in December? Book early and see popular stays →Frequently asked questions
What is the temperature in Hiriketiya?
It is warm all year. Daytime highs are typically around 29 to 31°C and nights around 24 to 26°C. The sea stays around 27 to 29°C.
When is the rainy season in Hiriketiya?
The southwest monsoon brings most rain from about May to September, and October's intermonsoon period is often very wet too. December to March is the dry season.